Pattern
/ˈpæt.ən/noun
A repeated decorative design, model, or standard way something is arranged or happens.
Did you know?Pattern ultimately comes from Latin *patrōnus* / *pater* territory, the same ancient root that gave us “father,” because a *patron* was originally a protecting father-like figure.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ph₂tḗr
“father”
Latin
Latin
pater
“father”
Late Latin
Latin
patronus
“protector, defender, advocate”
Old French
Old French
patron
“model, template, exemplar; also protector”
Middle English
English
patron
“a model or example to copy”
Modern English
English
pattern
“a repeated decorative design, model, or standard arrangement”